Recording apparatus, reproducing apparatus, and recording and/or reproducing apparatus

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides an apparatus having a microphone, an analog to digital converting circuit, a semiconductor memory, input device, and a controller. The analog to digital converting circuit converts an output signal from the microphone into a digital signal. The semiconductor memory stores the output signal from the analog to digital converting circuit. The input device at least carry out input of a record start and a record end. The controller, according to the input from the input device, carries out operation control for start and stop of writing into the semiconductor memory a digital signal from the analog to digital converting circuit. When the input device is operated and a predetermined time interval has passed, the controller controls to start writing the digital signal from the analog/digital conversion circuit into the semiconductor memory.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a recording apparatus, areproducing apparatus, and a recording and/or reproducing apparatus, andparticularly to a recording apparatus, a reproducing apparatus, and arecording and/or reproducing apparatus having a storage device.

[0003] 2. Prior Art

[0004] A voice signal recording apparatus such as a portable, small-sizetape recorder and an optical magnetic disc apparatus capable of writingnormally has a built-in microphone for recording, in a cabinet thereof.The cabinet also has operation pushbutton switches such as a recordingstart pushbutton switch and a stop pushbutton switch.

[0005] These pushbutton switches are usually provided with a clickmechanism so that a user can feel when a pushbutton switch is depressed,which assures the operation.

[0006] The above-mentioned small-size voice signal recording apparatushas a problem that a click sound is also recorded because it isimpossible to assure a sufficient distance between a microphone and, forexample, a recording start pushbutton switch.

[0007]FIG. 1(A) through FIG. 1(F) shows a concrete example. If arecording start pushbutton switch is depressed at time t₁ and releasedat time t₂ as shown in FIG. 1(A), and a stop pushbutton switch isdepressed at time t₃ and released at time t₄ as shown in FIG. 1(B),then, as shown in FIG. 1(C), a voice is generated at each of theseoperations. The voices have the maximum amplitude at t₁, t₂, t₃, and t₄,respectively and the amplitude is gradually attenuated for a timeinterval T. Consequently, as shown in FIG. 1(f), the click sounds areinputted over a voice to be recorded. On the other hand, as shown inFIG. 1(E), recording starts with a delay of Δ1 after time t₁ when therecording start pushbutton switch is specified, and the recordingterminates with a delay of Δ2 after time t₃ when the recording stoppushbutton switch is specified. That is, as shown in FIG. 1(F), threeclick voices are recorded over a voice to be recorded.

[0008] Thus, a small-size voice signal recording apparatus having abuilt-in microphone has a problem that if a pushbutton switch providedwith a click mechanism is used for improving operation feeling for auser, the click sound of the pushbutton switch is also unnecessarilyrecorded.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide arecording apparatus which resolves the above-mentioned problem.

[0010] It is another object of the present invention to provide areproducing apparatus which resolves the above-mentioned problem.

[0011] It is a further object of the present invention to provide arecording and/or reproducing apparatus which resolves theabove-mentioned problem.

[0012] According to the present invention, there is provided a recordingapparatus including a microphone, an analog to digital convertingcircuit, a storage device, an input device, and a controller. The analogto digital converting circuit converts an output signal from themicrophone, into a digital signal. An output signal from this analog todigital converting circuit is written in the storage device. The inputdevice is capable of entering at least a recording start and recordingstop. The controller, according to the operation of the input device,controls start and stop of writing into the storage device a digitalsignal produced from the analog to digital converting circuit. Thecontroller controls so as to start writing into the storage device thedigital signal from the analog to digital converting circuit when apredetermined time interval has passed after the input device isoperated.

[0013] According to the present invention, there is provided areproducing apparatus including a storage device, time setter, a memory,and a controller. At least one dynamic data is written into the storagedevice. The time setter is used for specifying a time. The memory storesa time data specified by the time setter. The controller reads out thedynamic data from the storage device according to the time data storedin the memory.

[0014] According to the present invention, there is provided a recordingand/or reproducing apparatus including a microphone, an analog todigital converting circuit, a semiconductor memory, a digital to analogconverting circuit, an input device, a controller, and a cabinet. Theanalog to digital converting circuit converts an output signal from themicrophone, into a digital signal. The semiconductor memory stores anoutput signal from the analog to digital converting circuit. A digitalsignal read from the semiconductor memory is converted into an analogsignal by the digital to analog converting circuit. The input device atleast enters a recording start, recording stop, and reproduction start.The controller, according to an operation of the input device, controlswriting of a digital signal from the analog to digital convertingcircuit, into the semiconductor memory, and reading of a digital signalfrom the semiconductor memory. The cabinet is provided with themicrophone, the analog to digital converting circuit, the digital toanalog converting circuit, and the input device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015]FIG. 1(A) to (F) are to be used to explain the relationshipbetween a click sound generated when a recording start pushbutton or arecording stop pushbutton is depressed and a result of recording.

[0016]FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an ICrecorder as a recording and/or reproducing apparatus according to anembodiment of the present invention.

[0017]FIG. 3 is a front external view of the IC recorder according tothe embodiment.

[0018]FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a powersection of the IC recorder.

[0019]FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure of recording by the ICrecorder.

[0020]FIG. 6(A) to (G) are to be used to explain the relationshipbetween a click voice generated by the recording start pushbutton orrecording stop pushbutton, and a recording procedure.

[0021]FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure of reproducing by the ICrecorder.

[0022]FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a procedure of alarm reproduction bythe IC recorder.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] Hereinafter, a recording and/or reproducing apparatus accordingto the present invention will be explained in detail with reference tothe attached drawings. The recording and/or reproducing apparatus willbe explained as a recording/reproducing apparatus (hereinafter, referredto as an IC recorder) in which a signal from a microphone is stored in asemiconductor memory, and a signal read from the semiconductor memory isoutputted from a speaker.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 2, for example, the IC recorder 1 has:

[0025] a recording section 10 which converts a voice signal from amicrophone 11, into a voice data, and stores it in a semiconductormemory 9;

[0026] a reproducing section 20 which reads out the voice data from thesemiconductor memory 9. converts it into a voice signal, and drives aspeaker 24;

[0027] a controller 30 which controls the recording section 10;

[0028] a display section 40 which displays an operation state and anoperation procedure;

[0029] a power source 50 for supplying power to the controller 30 andothers; and

[0030] an input device 60 for a user to carry out operations.

[0031] The recording section 10, as shown in FIG. 2, has: an amplifier12 for amplifying a voice signal from the microphone 11; a automaticgain controller 13 (hereinafter, referred to as AGC) for adjusting thevoice signal amplified by the amplifier 12 to be at a proper level; anencoder 14 for converting a voice signal from the AGC 13 into a voicedata; and a buffer memory 15 for delaying the voice data from theencoder 14.

[0032] A voice entered to the microphone 11 is converted into a voicesignal by the microphone 11 and supplied to the amplifier 12. Theamplifier 12 amplifies the voice signal and supplies a resultant signalto the AGC 13. The voice signal which has been amplified by theamplifier 12 is further amplified by the AGC so as to obtain anappropriate level, which is then supplied to the encoder 14.

[0033] Because a voice signal has an intimate correlation with time theencoder 14, for example by way of adaptive differential pulse codemodulation (hereinafter, referred to ADPCM), encodes a voice signal witha small amount of data so as to generate a voice data, which is suppliedto the buffer memory 15.

[0034] The buffer memory has a capacity sufficient to store the voicedata from the encoder 14 for a predetermined time interval, andtemporarily stores the voice data from the encoder 14 and then suppliesthe data to the semiconductor memory 9.

[0035] The semiconductor memory 9 is made of an involatile memory inwhich contents of a storage device will be held without disappearingeven if a power source of a memory, for example, electricalerasable/programmable read-only memory (hereinafter, referred to asEEPROM), is turned off. The semiconductor memory stores the voice datasupplied from the buffer memory 15 as well as a control data(hereinafter, referred to as TOC data) which controls a voice data, byindicating in which area the voice data is stored. For example, thesemiconductor memory 9 has a storage capacity of 16 M bytes and canstore for 8 minutes a voice data corresponding to a voice signal of 200to 3400 Hz at an SP mode which will be explained later, and for 16minutes a voice data corresponding to a voice signal of 200 to 1700 Hzat an LP mode which will be explained later.

[0036] On the other hand, the reproduction section 20, as shown in FIG.2, includes: a decoder 21 for converting the voice data from thesemiconductor memory 9, into a voice signal; a filter 22; and anamplifier 23 which amplifies the voice signal from the filter 22 andsupplies the signal to a speaker 24.

[0037] The decoder corresponds to the encoder 14 of the recordingsection 10. The voice data which has been read out of the semiconductormemory 9, i.e., the voice data which has been encoded by the ADPCMmethod is decoded by this decoder so as to generate a so-called PAMsignal. The filter 22 eliminates a high frequency component exceeding avoice zone from this PAM signal, and outputs a voice signal. The signalfrom the decoder 21 is supplied to the amplifier 23, which amplifies thevoice signal and drives the speaker 24. The voice which has beenrecorded is outputted from the speaker 24.

[0038] The controller 30, as shown in FIG. 2, includes: a ROM 31 whichstores a program used for controlling operation of the IC recorder; amicrocomputer (hereinafter, referred to as CPU) which executes theprogram stored in the ROM 31 for controlling the semiconductor memory 9and the recording section 9; a timer 33 for time count; and a randomaccess memory 34 (hereinafter, referred to as RAM) which temporarilystores a time, a result of program execution or the like.

[0039] The controller is supplied with signals from various pushbuttons61 arranged in the input device 60. When one of the pushbuttons 61 isdepressed, the CPU 32 reads out a corresponding program from the ROM 31and executes the program for controlling a necessary section. Forexample, if a recording start pushbutton 61 k which will be detailedlater is depressed, the CPU 32 reads out a program corresponding torecording from the ROM 31 and executes the program so as to operate theamplifier 12, the AGC 13, and the encoder 14. The voice data temporarilystored in the buffer memory 15 is stored in an empty storage area of thesemiconductor memory 9. The controller 30 controls writing and readingof a voice data to/from the semiconductor memory 9. Up to 99 cases ofvoice data can be written into each of two files A and B, each casebeing identified with an index number. According to an index number, avoice data is read out, or a voice data can also be read out when aspecified time has come. This will be detailed later. The CPU 32 isconnected to a quartz oscillator 35 for operating the timer 33. As willbe detailed later, a voice data stored in the semiconductor memory 9 isread out at a predetermined time. This is also controlled by the CPU 32.The controller 30 is connected to a display section 40, and the CPU 32displays various information such as an operation state and operationprocedure of the IC recorder 1, on the display section 40. The displaysection 40 includes a liquid crystal display (hereinafter, referred toas LCD) panel 41 and a back light 42 for illuminating this LCD panel.For example, when a menu/feed pushbutton 61 s of the input device 60 isdepressed, the CPU 32 successively displays a date and a time on thedisplay section 40 so that the user can set the timer, looking at thisdisplay.

[0040] Description will now be directed a configuration of the inputdevice 60 with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG. 3 shows a portable ICrecorder having an external cabinet formed in size of a palm. Thecabinet contains a printed circuit board of the aforementioned recordingsection 10, the reproduction section 20 or the like. This IC recorder 1is formed in such a manner that it can easily be held by a left hand ofa user so that the user can operate this IC recorder simultaneously witha writing work by the right hand. The IC recorder 1 has an externalcabinet 1 a, where pushbuttons 61 of the input section 60 are arranged.As shown in FIG. 3, the external cabinet 1 a is provided with a handstrap 1 b which is used by the user when the user carry the IC recorder1.

[0041] The input section is composed of the following pushbuttons: themenu/feed pushbutton 61 a, a reproduction pushbutton 61 b for starting areproduction, a return/feed pushbutton 61 c for setting an index number,a file select pushbutton 61 for switching between the aforementioned twofiles A and B, a stop pushbutton 61 e for terminating recording or thelike, an SP/LP pushbotton 61 f for switching between an SP mode and anLP mode, a light pushbutton 61 g for turning the back light 42 on, adisplay pushbutton 61 h, an index pushbutton 61 i for setting an index,an erase pushbutton 61 j for erasing a voice data stored in thesemiconductor memory 9, and a recording start pushbotton 61 k forstarting a recording. Among these pushbuttons, those which are used mostfrequently, i.e., the reproduction pushbutton 61 b and the return/feedpushbutton 61 c are arranged in the notched portion of a side surface atthe upper left of the external cabinet 1 a in FIG. 3, so that the usercan easily operate these pushbuttons with his/her left thumb. Therecording start pushbutton 61 k which is also used frequently is formedlarger than the other pushbuttons and arranged at the center of the mainsurface of the external cabinet 1 a so that the user can easily operatethis pushbutton with his/her left thumb. When one of these pushbuttonsis operated, corresponding mechanical switch located below the depressedpushbutton is operated. At this time, a click sound is generated. Theclick sound will be detailed later.

[0042] The aforementioned microphone 11, the LCD panel 41 and thespeaker 24 are also arranged on this main surface of the externalcabinet 1 a. Because the IC recorder is formed small so as to beconvenient for carrying, the microphone 11 is located near the recordingstart button 61 k.

[0043] The input device 60 includes: a hold switch 62; arecord/reproduce lamp 63 which indicates recording or reproduction is inprogress; a volume switch 64 for adjusting volume of the reproducedvoice; and an earphone jack 65. As shown in FIG. 3, The record/reproducelamp 63 is arranged on the main surface of the external cabinet 1 a sothat it can easily be seen while using. The hold switch 62, the volumeswitch 64, and the earphone jack 65 are used less frequently andarranged on the side portion of the external cabinet 1 a. When the holdswitch 62 is operated operation of the operation pushbuttons of theinput device 60 is invalidated so as to prevent malfunction of the ICrecorder while carrying.

[0044] Subsequently, description will be directed to the power sourcesection 50. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the power source sectionincludes: a battery 51; a DA/DA converter 52 for increasing an outputvoltage of the battery 51; a voltage detecting circuit 53 for detectingan output voltage of the battery 51; and a capacitor 54 for chargingwith an output voltage of the DC/DC converter 52.

[0045] As has been explained, the IC recorder 1 is for portable use andformed in size of a palm. Consequently, the battery 51 should also besmall and is composed of a single cell of SUM-4 type. The output voltageof the battery 51, i.e., 1.5 volt is increased by the DC/DC converter 52to a voltage required for operation of the amplifiers 12, 23, CPU 32 andothers, and current of the resultant voltage is supplied to each of thecircuits.

[0046] The voltage detecting circuit 53 detects an output voltage of thebattery 51 and, when the output voltage of the battery 51 becomes, forexample, 0.8 volt, terminates operation of the DC/DC converter. Electricpower in the battery 51 will not be consumed after its output hasreached a predetermined value, for example, 0.8 V. This prevents rapiddecrease of the voltage of the battery 51 due to the DC/DC converter 52,thus preventing liquid leak of the battery 51.

[0047] The capacitor 54 is connected between the ground and a powercable which connects the DC/DC converter 52 with the timer 33 of thecontroller 30, and is charged by an output of the DC/DC converter 52.The timer 33 is operated with current supplied from this DC/DC converter52 while the DC/DC converter 52 is operating; and with current from thecapacitor 54 when the output voltage of the battery 51 is lowered or theDC/DC converter 52 is not operating when the battery 51 is taken out forreplacement with a new one. That is, the capacitor 54 is a so calledback-up capacitor capable of, for example, about 3 minutes of back up.

[0048] In the IC recorder 1 of such a configuration, a recording iscarried out according to a procedure, for example, as shown in FIG. 5.Firstly, the user depresses the SP/LP pushbutton 61 f so as to selectthe LP mode or the SP mode as a recording method (step 1). The LCD panel41 shows “SP” or “LS”. Next, the user depresses the file selectpushbutton 61 d so as to select file A or file B provided in thesemiconductor memory 9, and the selected file is indicated on the LCDpanel 41 (step 2).

[0049] When the recording start pushbutton 61 k is depressed, arecording state starts in the IC recorder 1. When the user speaks towardthe microphone section 11, a corresponding voice data is written in aspecified area of the semiconductor memory 9 (step 3). When the stoppushbutton 61 e is depressed, the IC recorder 1 releases the recordingstate (step 4). When the voice data is recorded in the semiconductormemory, the following are also recorded: TOC data, file number, indexnumber which indicates the voice signal which is being recorded. Whenthe user wishes to record another voice data immediately after the firstrecording operation, the voice data is recorded in the same mode and thesame file area specified first, with an index number following the firstindex number. That is, step 1 of mode selection and step 2 of fileselection can be omitted.

[0050] As has thus far been described, the IC recorder 1 startsrecording when the recording start pushbutton 61 k is depressed. Becausethe IC recorder 1 is of a small size and the microphone 11 is locatednear the recording start pushbutton 61 k, it is necessary to preventrecording of a click sound generated when the recording start pushbutton61 k or the stop pushbutton 61 e is depressed. For this, a voice dataentered from the microphone 11 is temporarily stored in the buffermemory and then supplied to the semiconductor memory 9. This click soundis considered to be caused by changeover of a contact of a mechanicalswitch which is operated by the operation pushbutton arranged on the PCboard of the IC recorder 1.

[0051] For example, FIG. 6(A) shows that the recording start pushbutton61 k is depressed at time t₁₁ and released at time t₂₁, whereas FIG.6(B) shows that the stop pushbutton 61 e is depressed at time t₃₁andreleased at time t₃₃, In this case, As shown in FIG. 6(C), a sound isgenerated having a maximum amplitude at times t₁₁, t₂₁, and t₃₁, andenduring for time T while attenuating its amplitude. Consequently, asound to be recorded through the microphone 11 is overlapped with theclick sound generated when the recording start pushbutton 61 k or thestop pushbutton 61 e is operated.

[0052] In the IC recorder according to the embodiment of the presentinvention, a click sound generated when the recording start pushbutton61 k or the stop button 61 e is operated is not recorded because a voicedata is supplied through the buffer memory 15 to the semiconductormemory 9. FIGS. 6(a) and (B) show that the recording start pushbutton 61k is operated at time t₁₁, i.e., the mechanical switch arranged belowthe pushbutton 61 k is operated by a first half, and the fact that therecording start pushbutton 61 k has been depressed is assured by the CPU32 at time t₁₂. Then, read out of a voice data from the buffer memory 15is started by a control signal from the CPU 32 at a time t₁₃ when apredetermined time λ1 has passed from time t₁₂. The voice data iswritten into the semiconductor memory 9 according to an addressspecified by the CPU 32, thus starting the recording operation. At thistime, the voice data which is read out from the buffer memory 15 is adata which is read out from an address corresponding to a time after alaps of time from t₁₁, to t₁₃. The aforementioned predetermined time λ1is a time required for attenuation to an unhearable level of a clicksound generated when an operation pushbutton such as a recording startpushbutton is depressed. As shown in FIG. 6(D), the microphone 11outputs a signal containing a click sound generated when the recordingstart pushbutton 61 k is depressed. However, as shown FIG. 6(E), thebuffer memory 15 outputs a signal not containing a component of theclick sound which can be heard by the user. Consequently, there is noproblem that the signal is written into the semiconductor memory 9 as itis. Whether or not the aforementioned predetermined time λ1 has passedis counted by a timer function provided in the CPU 32 or by using thetimer 33.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 6(C), the aforementioned click sound is alsogenerated when the user has released the recording start pushbutton 61k, i.e., when the pushbutton 61 is restored. That is, at time t₂₁,user's finger leaves the recording start pushbutton 61 k, i.e., themechanical switch arranged below the pushbutton 61 k is operated by thesecond half; and at time t₂₂, the fact that the finger has left therecording start pushbutton 61 k is confirmed by the CPU 32. Then, therecording operation is temporarily stopped at a data corresponding totime t₂₁, and is re-started at time t₂₃ when the predetermined time λ1has passed from time t₂₂, When the fact that the user's finger has leftthe recording start pushbutton 61 k is confirmed at time t₂₂, writinginto the buffer memory 15 starts with a voice data from an addresscorresponding to time t₂₁, whereas read out starts with a voice datafrom an address corresponding to a moment when the predetermined time λ1has passed and the data is written into the semiconductor memory 9 at anaddress specified by the CPU 32. As a result, in the same way as theaforementioned click sound generated when the recording start pushbutton61 k is depressed, the buffer memory 15 outputs a voice data containinga component of the click sound which cannot be heard practically by theuser. Thus, substantially no problem is caused. According to the presentembodiment, the click sound generated by operation of the recordingstart pushbutton or the like has a length measured to be about 10 msec.Consequently, the aforementioned time required for reducing the noisegenerated by the click sound can be very short. Therefore, practicallyno problem is caused if the recording operation is interrupted as shownin FIG. 6(F).

[0054] The recording operation can be terminated by depressing the stoppushbutton 61 e. The click sound is also generated twice when the stoppushbutton 61 e is operated: as shown in FIG. 6(C), when the pushbutton61 e is depressed and when the pushbutton 61 e is released. The stoppushbutton 61 e is depressed at time t₃₁, i.e., the mechanical switcharranged below the pushbutton 61 e is operated by the first half, andthe fact that the stop pushbutton 61 e has been depressed is confirmedby the CPU 32 at time t₃₂. Then, the recording operation is stopped witha data corresponding back to time t_(3l). The recording operation isterminated at a moment when a data in the buffer memory 15 at addressescorresponding to a time lapse between t₃₁ and t₃₂ has written into thesemiconductor memory 9.

[0055] As has been described above, the voice data written in thesemiconductor memory 9 actually contains a component of the click soundas shown in FIG. 6(G), but the click sound has been attenuatedsufficiently to an unhearable level. Consequently, there is no practicalproblem when reproducing the voice data from the semiconductor memory 9.

[0056] It should be noted that the aforementioned predetermined time λ1is a time which passes while a click sound generated by operation of therecording start pushbutton 61 k travels to the microphone 11.Consequently, its value is determined be a distance between therecording start button 61 k and the microphone 11.

[0057] Description will now be directed reproduction of a voice datawhich has been recorded. The reproduction proceeds, for example, asshown in FIG. 7. Firstly, when the file select pushbutton 61 d of the ICrecorder 1 is depressed by a user, file “A” or “B” is selected in thesemiconductor memory 9, and the one selected appears on the LCD panel 41(step 11). Next, the user depress the return/feed pushbutton 61 c so asto select an index number recorded in the semiconductor memory 9 (step22). When the reproduce pushbutton 61 b is depressed, the IC recorderreproduces the voice data desired by the user (step 13). In order tostop the reproduction, depress the stop pushbutton 61 e. To proceed toanother job or return back to a preceding job, confirm that noreproduction or recording is in progress and depress the return/feedpushbutton 61 c so as to select the following or the preceeding indexnumber, data of which is reproduced when the reproduce pushbutton 61 bis depressed.

[0058] Moreover, the controller 30 of the IC recorder 1 is provided witha crystal oscillator 35. By using this crystal oscillator 35 and thetimer 33, a date and time are displayed on the LCD panel 41. The dateand time can be set as follows. When the menu/feed pushbutton 61 a isdepressed, a date appears on the LCD panel and a date setting mode isset in. The IV recorder 1 can set a date by pressing the return/feedpushbutton 61 c. When the menu/feed pushbutton 61 a is depressed in thisstate, the mode is switched to a time setting mode, and the time appearson the LCD panel. The IV recorder 1 can set a time by depressing thereturn/feed pushbutton 61 c. The IC recorder 1 terminates the timesetting mode when the stop pushbutton 61 e is depressed.

[0059] Furthermore, the IC recorder 1 is capable of so called alarmreproduction, i.e., reading out a voice data from the semiconductormemory 9 at a predetermined time which has been set by the timer 33.This alarm reproduction can be set, for example, as shown in FIG. 7.Firstly, in step 21, a user depresses the file select pushbutton 61 dand the return/feed pushbutton 61 c so as to select a file and indexnumber to be read out. The necessary data is written in the RAM 34.Then, in step 22, the IV recorder 1 sets the alarm reproduction modewhen the menu/feed pushbutton 61 a is depressed. “ON” or “OFF” appearson the LCD panel. One of these is selected by depressing the return/feedpushbutton 61 c. When “ON” is selected and the menu/feed pushbutton isfurther depressed as step 3, the alarm function enters ON state. The ICrecorder 1 proceeds to step 24 when the menu/feed pushbutton 61 a isdepressed. In step 24, the user can select a desired day of the week bypressing the return/feed pushbutton 61 c. If the return/feed pushbutton61 c is further depressed after selecting the day of the week, a daydata concerning this day is written into the RAM 34, and the IC recorderproceeds to step 25. In step 25, the user can select a desired time bypressing the return/feed pushbutton 61 c. When the user depresses thestop pushbutton 61 e, the IC recorder writes a day data concerning thisday into the RAM 34, terminating the alarm reproduction mode setting. Inthe IC recorder 1 in which the alarm reproduction mode has been set in,when the timer 33 count the same time as the alarm setting, the CPU 32reads out the data which has been written in the RAM 34, i.e., filedata, index number, day data and time data to be executed. Thus, thevoice data corresponding to the RAM 34 is read from the semiconductormemory 9 for reproduction.

[0060] The IC recorder 1 having the aforementioned configuration enablesa user to store an aural memorandum as a voice data instead of writingthe memorandum on paper. The IC recorder 1, by using the buffer memory15, makes it possible that a reproduced data is not affected by a noisedue to a click sound generated by depressing operation pushbuttons atrecording start and stop. The IC recorder 1 is capable of reproducing avoice data at a predetermined time by setting the timer 33. For example,the IC recorder 1 can prevent the user from forgetting something whichis reproduced as a voice data at a necessary moment. Because the ICrecorder 1 is of a small size and can be placed in a user's pocket, theuser can carry it any time anywhere. Moreover, because a data can bereproduced at a specified time, i.e., alarm reproduction time, the userwill not miss a necessary memorandum.

[0061] The present invention thus far explained as an example of voicerecording and/or reproducing apparatus having a semiconductor memory asa recording medium is not limited to this, but is also applicable torecording and/or reproducing apparatus for recording image data insteadof voice data or to a voice recording/reproducing apparatus using a tapeor disc as a recording medium and having a microphone built in anexternal cabinet. The IC recorder which employs two separate pushbuttonswitches for a recording start pushbutton and a stop pushbutton can alsobe realized as an IC recorder having a single pushbutton switch for bothof the recording start and stop pushbuttons.

What is claimed is:
 1. A recording apparatus comprising: a microphone;an analog to digital converting circuit for converting an output signalfrom said microphone into a digital signal; a storage device for storingan output signal from said analog to digital converting circuit; aninput device for at least entering a recording start and a recordingend; and a controller for start and stop of writing into said storagedevice a digital signal outputted from said analog to digital convertingcircuit, said controller making a start of writing of a digital signaloutputted from said analog to digital converting circuit into saidstorage device when a predetermined time interval has passed after saidinput device is operated.
 2. A recording apparatus as claimed in claim1, wherein said apparatus further comprises a cabinet in which saidmicrophone and said input device are arranged.
 3. A recording apparatusas claimed in claim 2, wherein said controller starts recording intosaid storage device when a predetermined time interval has passed aftersaid input device is first-half operated; and stops recording of adigital signal from said analog to digital converting circuit into saidstorage device for a further predetermined time interval after saidinput device is second-half operated.
 4. A recording apparatus asclaimed in claim 3, wherein said controller operates in such a mannerthat said input device restart writing of a digital signal from saidanalog to digital converting circuit into said storage device after saidfurther predetermined time interval.
 5. A recording apparatus as claimedin claim 3, wherein said further predetermined time interval is equal toa time interval required for attenuation to an unhearable level of anoise generated upon operation of said input device.
 6. A recordingapparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein said predetermined timeinterval is equal to or longer than a time interval required forattenuation to an unhearable level of a noise generated upon operationof said input device.
 7. A recording apparatus as claimed in claim 3,wherein said input device is provided with at least one switch.
 8. Arecording apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein said switch is amechanical switch.
 9. A recording apparatus as claimed in claim 3,wherein said controller is provided with a buffer memory for temporarilystoring a digital signal outputted from said analog to digitalconverting circuit, and a digital signal read from said buffer memory issupplied to said storage device.
 10. A recording apparatus as claimed inclaim 1, wherein said storage device has at least two files and outputsignals from said microphone which have been converted into digitalsignals by said analog to digital converting circuit are written intoone of said files specified by said input device.
 11. A reproducingapparatus comprising: a storage device into which at least one dynamicdata is written; time setting means for setting a time; a memory forstoring a time data set by said time setting means; and a controller forreading a dynamic data from said storage device according to a time datastored in said memory.
 12. A reproducing apparatus as claimed in claim11, wherein said controller carries out writing into said memory,correlating the time data specified by said time setting means with adynamic data stored in said storage device, and reading from saidstorage device the dynamic data corresponding to said specified time.13. A reproducing apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein saidcontroller is provided with a clock section, and when said clock sectioncoincides with a specified time data stored in said memory, saidcontroller reads out a dynamic data from said storage device.
 14. Areproducing apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein said reproducingapparatus is provided with a conversion circuit for converting a dynamicdata read from said storage device, into an analog signal.
 15. Areproducing apparatus as claimed in claim 14, wherein a plurality ofdynamic data are written into said storage device; and said plurality ofdynamic data are written by said controller into at least two separatefiles provided in said storage device; said apparatus being providedwith an input device, which is capable of specifying a dynamic data tobe read out selectively from said storage device.
 16. A recording and/orreproducing apparatus comprising: a microphone; an analog to digitalconverting circuit for converting an output signal from said microphone,into a digital signal; a semiconductor memory for storing an outputsignal from said analog to digital converting circuit; a digital toanalog converting circuit for converting a digital signal read from saidsemiconductor memory, into an analog signal; an input device forentering at least a recording start, a recording end, and a reproductionstart; a controller for controlling, according to an input from saidinput device, writing of a digital signal from said analog to digitalconverting circuit, into said semiconductor memory, and reading of adigital signal from said semiconductor memory; and a cabinet in whichsaid microphone, said analog/digital conversion circuit, saiddigital/analog conversion circuit, and said input device are arranged.17. A recording and/or reproducing apparatus as claimed in claim 16,wherein said semiconductor memory is provided with at least two files;and output signals from said microphone are converted by said analog todigital converting circuit into a plurality of digital signals, whichare written in a file specified by said input device.
 18. A recordingand/or reproducing apparatus as claimed in claim 17, wherein saidcontroller selectively reads out from said storage device a dynamic dataspecified by said input device and supplies the data to said digital toanalog converting circuit.
 19. A recording and/or reproducing apparatusas claimed in claim 17, wherein said controller controls to startwriting a digital signal from said analog to digital converting circuitinto said semiconductor memory and to stop writing into saidsemiconductor memory according to an input from said input device; andwhen said input device is operated and a predetermined time interval haspassed, said controller makes starts writing into said semiconductormemory a digital signal outputted from said analog to digital convertingcircuit.
 20. A recording and/or reproducing apparatus as claimed inclaim 19, wherein said controller is provided with a switch for enteringsaid recording start; and said controller starts recording into saidstorage device when said predetermined time interval has passed aftersaid switch is first-half operated, and terminates writing into saidstorage device a digital signal from said analog to digital convertingcircuit when a further predetermined interval has passed after saidswitch is second-half operated.
 21. A recording and/or reproducingapparatus as claimed in claim 20, wherein said controller starts writinginto said storage device a digital signal from said analog to digitalconverting circuit when said further predetermined time interval haspassed after said switch is second-half operated.
 22. A recording and/orreproducing apparatus as claimed in claim 20, wherein said furtherpredetermined time interval is equal to a time required for attenuationto an unhearable level of a noise which is generated when said switch isoperated.
 23. A recording and/or reproducing apparatus as claimed inclaim 19, wherein said predetermined time interval is equal to or longerthan a time required for attenuation to an unhearable level of a noisewhich is generated when said switch is operated.
 24. A recording and/orreproducing apparatus as claimed in claim 20, wherein said controller isprovided with a buffer memory for temporarily storing a digital signaloutputted from said analog to digital converting circuit so that adigital signal read from said buffer memory is supplied to said storagedevice.
 25. A recording and/or reproducing apparatus as claimed in claim17, wherein said input device is provided with time setting means forsetting a time; said apparatus further comprises a further memory forstoring a time data which has been set by said time setting means; andsaid controller reads out a digital signal from said semiconductormemory according to the time data stored in said further memory.
 26. Arecording and/or reproducing apparatus as claimed in claim 25 whereinsaid controller writes a time data which has been set by said timesetting means, into said further memory corresponding to a digitalsignal stored in said semiconductor memory; and, according to said timewhich has been set, reads out a digital signal corresponding to saidtime from said semiconductor memory.
 27. A recording and/or reproducingapparatus as claimed in claim 26, wherein said controller is providedwith a clock section, and when said clock section coincides with a timeset data stored in said further memory, said controller reads out adigital signal from said semiconductor memory.